Coordinating wireless communication network access via multiple logic capable databases

ABSTRACT

Wireless communication network access is facilitated via multiple logic-capable storage (MLCS) devices. One method comprises: scanning a record of records stored in a MLCS device to determine whether a communication device associated with a request for communication establishment has a defined functionality; and generating information indicative of the communication device failing to have the defined functionality based on identifying a value range inclusive of an identifier of the communication device and based on determining that the MLCS device is a negative logic storage device, wherein the MLCS device is programmable to have a first type of logic at a first time and a second type of logic at a second time. The first type of logic can be the negative logic type and the second type of logic can be a positive logic type.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject disclosure relates generally to wireless communications, andto systems, apparatuses and methods of facilitating wirelesscommunication network access via multiple logic-capable databases(hereinafter, “Multiple Logic-Capable Storage (MLCS) devices”).

BACKGROUND

With an ever-increasing set of technologies being developed, new networkfunctionalities are continually activated by cellular operators toimprove performance and provide new services to communication devices.Because communication devices may be non-compliant with a particularstandard, there may be an inability to determine the specificfunctionality of which a communication device is capable. Outages andpoor service provisioning along with management inefficiencies canresult.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example schematic diagram of a system thatfacilitates wireless communication network access via a MLCS device inaccordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example block diagram of information stored in acommunication device of the system of FIG. 1 in accordance with one ormore embodiments described herein.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example block diagram of a device functionality(DF) component of the system of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or moreembodiments described herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example block diagram of a MLCS device of the DFcomponent of the system of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or moreembodiments described herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example block diagram of a multi-dimensionalinformation repository device of the MLCS device of FIG. 1 in accordancewith one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example graph of numbers of communication deviceswith defined functionality versus time for the design of the system ofFIG. 1 in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example flow diagram facilitating wirelesscommunication network access employing a negative logic storage deviceof a MLCS device in accordance with one or more embodiments describedherein.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example flow diagram facilitating wirelesscommunication network access employing negative logic and positive logicstorage devices of a MLCS device in accordance with one or moreembodiments described herein.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example schematic diagram of another system thatfacilitates wireless communication network access via MLCS devices inaccordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are flowcharts of methods facilitating wirelesscommunication network access via an MLCS device in accordance with oneor more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram of a computer that can be employedin accordance with one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more embodiments are now described with reference to thedrawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to likeelements throughout. In the following description, for purposes ofexplanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea thorough understanding of the various embodiments. It is evident,however, that the various embodiments can be practiced without thesespecific details (and without applying to any particular networkedenvironment or standard).

As used in this application, in some embodiments, the terms “component,”“system” and the like are intended to refer to, or comprise, acomputer-related entity or an entity related to an operational apparatuswith one or more specific functionalities, wherein the entity can beeither hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, orsoftware in execution. As an example, a component may be, but is notlimited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, anobject, an executable, a thread of execution, computer-executableinstructions, a program, and/or a computer. By way of illustration andnot limitation, both an application running on a server and the servercan be a component.

One or more components may reside within a process and/or thread ofexecution and a component may be localized on one computer and/ordistributed between two or more computers. In addition, these componentscan execute from various computer readable media having various datastructures stored thereon. The components may communicate via localand/or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having oneor more data packets (e.g., data from one component interacting withanother component in a local system, distributed system, and/or across anetwork such as the Internet with other systems via the signal). Asanother example, a component can be an apparatus with specificfunctionality provided by mechanical parts operated by electric orelectronic circuitry, which is operated by a software application orfirmware application executed by a processor, wherein the processor canbe internal or external to the apparatus and executes at least a part ofthe software or firmware application. As yet another example, acomponent can be an apparatus that provides specific functionalitythrough electronic components without mechanical parts, the electroniccomponents can comprise a processor therein to execute software orfirmware that confers at least in part the functionality of theelectronic components. While various components have been illustrated asseparate components, it will be appreciated that multiple components canbe implemented as a single component, or a single component can beimplemented as multiple components, without departing from exampleembodiments.

Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a method,apparatus or article of manufacture using standard programming and/orengineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware or anycombination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosedsubject matter. The term “article of manufacture” as used herein isintended to encompass a computer program accessible from anycomputer-readable device or computer-readable storage/communicationsmedia. For example, computer readable storage media can comprise, butare not limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppydisk, magnetic strips), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digitalversatile disk (DVD)), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g.,card, stick, key drive). Of course, those skilled in the art willrecognize many modifications can be made to this configuration withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the various embodiments.

In addition, the words “example” and “exemplary” are used herein to meanserving as an instance or illustration. Any embodiment or designdescribed herein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to beconstrued as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments ordesigns. Rather, use of the word example or exemplary is intended topresent concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, theterm “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive“or”. That is, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, “Xemploys A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusivepermutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both Aand B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoinginstances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in thisapplication and the appended claims should generally be construed tomean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context tobe directed to a singular form.

Moreover, terms such as “mobile device equipment,” “mobile station,”“mobile,” subscriber station,” “access terminal,” “terminal,” “handset,”“communication device,” “mobile device” (and/or terms representingsimilar terminology) can refer to a wireless device utilized by asubscriber or mobile device of a wireless communication service toreceive or convey data, control, voice, video, sound, gaming orsubstantially any data-stream or signaling-stream. The foregoing termsare utilized interchangeably herein and with reference to the relateddrawings. Likewise, the terms “access point (AP),” “Base Station (BS),”BS transceiver, BS device, cell site, cell site device, “Node B (NB),”“evolved Node B (eNode B),” “home Node B (HNB)” and the like, areutilized interchangeably in the application, and refer to a wirelessnetwork component or appliance that transmits and/or receives data,control, voice, video, sound, gaming or substantially any data-stream orsignaling-stream from one or more subscriber stations. Data andsignaling streams can be packetized or frame-based flows.

Furthermore, the terms “device,” “communication device,” “mobiledevice,” “subscriber,” “customer,” “consumer,” “entity” and the like areemployed interchangeably throughout, unless context warrants particulardistinctions among the terms. It should be appreciated that such termscan refer to human entities or automated components supported throughartificial intelligence (e.g., a capacity to make inference based oncomplex mathematical formalisms), which can provide simulated vision,sound recognition and so forth.

Embodiments described herein can be exploited in substantially anywireless communication technology, comprising, but not limited to,wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), global system for mobile communications(GSM), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), worldwideinteroperability for microwave access (WiMAX), enhanced general packetradio service (enhanced GPRS), third generation partnership project(3GPP) long term evolution (LTE), third generation partnership project 2(3GPP2) ultra mobile broadband (UMB), high speed packet access (HSPA),Long Range wireless technology (LoRA), Zigbee and other 802.XX wirelesstechnologies and/or legacy telecommunication technologies. Further, theterms “femto” and “femto cell” are used interchangeably, and the terms“macro” and “macro cell” are used interchangeably.

Agility in deploying new services in a network is a key factor for amobile operator to successfully operate in a very competitive market.With an ever-increasing set of technologies being developed, new networkfunctionalities are continually activated by cellular operators toimprove performance and provide new services to communication devices.Because communication devices may be non-compliant with a particularstandard (e.g., Internet of Things (IoT) devices), there may be aninability to determine the specific functionality of which acommunication device is capable. Outages and poor service provisioningalong with management inefficiencies can result. One or more embodimentsdescribed herein can reduce the likelihood of service outages, reducethe complexity and inefficiencies of network management and/or reduceoperational costs for provisioning services over wireless communicationnetworks since the number of devices for which information is typicallyaccessed can be on the order of hundreds of millions and/or sincemulti-standard environments exist.

Various embodiments can comprise systems, apparatus, methods and/orcomputer-readable storage media that facilitate wireless communicationnetwork access via a MLCS device. Embodiments described herein compriseMLCS devices programmable to interpret the contents stored in the MLCSdevices according to different types of logic. If the MLCS device isprogrammed to operate according to positive logic, the presence of avalue within a range of values associated with a particularcommunication device is interpreted to indicate the communication devicehas a particular type of functionality. By contrast, if the MLCS deviceis programmed to operate according to negative logic, the presence of avalue within a range of values associated with a particularcommunication device is interpreted to indicate the communication devicedoes not have a particular type of functionality. Accordingly, the MLCSdevice is capable of operating according to a first type of logic, asecond type of logic or various combinations of logic. For example, withregard to a first functionality, the MLCS device can operate accordingto a first type of logic and with regard to a second functionality, theMLCS device can operate according to a second type of logic. Any numberof combinations is possible. Any number of different types offunctionality can be provisioned and the specific functionalitiesprovisioned can change from time to time. The channel for acommunication device is then provisioned based on the interpretation ofthe MLCS device.

In some embodiments, the MLCS device can be designed with specific logicand functionality combinations such that information for the fewestnumber of communication devices will be stored in the MLCS device, thusreducing the operational complexity and maintenance cost of the MLCSdevice. For example, for a low level of functionality (e.g., adaptivemulti-rate (AMR) 12.2) that most communication devices are likely tohave, the MLCs device can be programmed to operate according to negativelogic so as to reduce the amount of information by storing informationfor communication devices that do not comprise the functionality (asopposed to storing information for all communication devices that dohave the ability to operate according to the low level offunctionality). By contrast, for a cutting-edge technology for whichmost communication devices are not likely to have capability (e.g., AMRmulti mode (MM)), the MLCS device can be programmed to operate accordingto positive logic so as to reduce the amount of information by storinginformation for communication devices that do comprise the functionality(as opposed to storing information for all communication devices that donot have the ability to operate according to the high level offunctionality).

In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage device is provided. Thecomputer-readable storage device stores computer-executable instructionsthat, in response to execution, cause a system comprising a processor toperform operations. The operations comprise scanning a record of recordsstored in a multiple logic-capable storage device to determine whether acommunication device associated with a request for communicationestablishment has a defined functionality. The operations also comprisegenerating functionality information indicative of the communicationdevice failing to have the defined functionality based on identifying avalue range inclusive of an identifier of the communication device andbased on determining whether the multiple logic-capable storage deviceis a negative logic storage device, wherein the multiple logic-capablestorage device is programmable to have a first type of logic at a firsttime and a second type of logic at a second time.

In another embodiment, a method is provided. The method can comprise:determining, by a device comprising a processor, whether a communicationdevice is associated with a home network of the device; and responsiveto a first determination that the communication device fails to beassociated with the home network, assigning, by the device, thecommunication device to a first functionality. The method can alsocomprise, responsive to a second determination that an identifier forthe communication device is associated with a range of values stored ina multiple logic-capable storage device, and based on determiningwhether the multiple logic-capable storage device has associatedpositive logic, assigning, by the device, the communication device to asecond functionality. The method can also comprise, responsive to athird determination that the identifier for the communication device isassociated with the range of values stored in the multiple logic-capablestorage device, and based on determining whether the multiplelogic-capable storage device has associated negative logic, assigning,by the device, the communication device to the first functionality.

In another embodiment, a system comprises: a processor; and a memorythat stores executable instructions that, when executed by theprocessor, facilitate performance of operations. The operations cancomprise identifying a defined functionality of a communication deviceof communication devices. The operations can also comprise determiningto store information about the communication device in a first storagelocation or a second storage location of a multi-dimensional datastorage system based on whether the defined functionality satisfies adefined condition, wherein the determining comprises determining tostore the information in the first storage location based on the definedfunctionality satisfying the defined condition, and based on determiningwhether the first storage location has associated positive logic, andwherein the determining comprises determining to store the informationin the second storage location based on the defined functionalitysatisfying the defined condition, and based on determining whether thesecond storage location has associated negative logic.

One or more embodiments can ease the introduction of new functionalitiesin an environment that comprises a variable mix of devices havingdifferent levels or types of capabilities. The flexibility offered byone or more embodiments can also facilitate deployment of multiple AMRfunctionalities with limited impact and costs to operation andmaintenance organizations. Different embodiments described herein canapply to different utilized network architectures, spectrum blocksand/or wireless protocols. Further, one or more embodiments canfacilitate a communication device roaming across numerous differentnetwork architectures, different interfaces or to proliferate (e.g.,static Internet of Things devices) within such interfaces, without needfor the communication device to signal to the network thecapability/functionality that the communication device supports. Thecommunication device can also participate in the decision of whichnetwork resource is assigned in some embodiments.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an example schematicdiagram of a system that facilitates wireless communication networkaccess via a MLCS device in accordance with one or more embodimentsdescribed herein. In the embodiment shown, system 100 can comprise a DFcomponent 106, which can comprise a MLCS device 108 programmable tooperate according to a number of different types of logic (or differentcombinations of types of logic). In some embodiments, system 100 canalso comprise a communication device 102 and a BS device 104. In variousembodiments, one or more of the communication device 102, BS device 104,DF component 106 and/or MLCS device 108 can be electrically and/orcommunicatively coupled to one another to perform one or more functionsof the system 100. As shown, bi-directional communication can beprovided between the communication device 102 and the BS device 104 aswell as between the BS device 104 and the DF component 106.

In particular, system 100 can facilitate efficient provisioning ofservices for roaming and/or home communication devices of a networknotwithstanding the communication devices may be standard non-compliant.Further, in some embodiments, system 100 can facilitate serviceprovisioning in a manner exacting minimal maintenance and operationalcosts on the MLCS device 108 and/or the DF component 106 or the like.

The communication device 102 can be any number of different types ofdevices configured to communicate from a number of different locations.By way of example, but not limitation, the communication device 102 cancomprise any of a number of mobile or stationary devices such as mobileor cellular telephone, laptop, personal digital assistant (PDA), tabletcomputer, IoT devices (e.g., sensors) or the like. The communicationdevice 102 can transmit information to and/or receive information fromanother device via the BS device 104 in some embodiments and over achannel (not shown) provisioned according to the functionalitydetermined by the MLCS device 108. For example, in some embodiments, thecommunication device 102 can transmit information to the BS device 104for establishment or continuation of a communication channel forcommunication with another device (e.g., terminating device).

FIG. 2 illustrates an example block diagram of information stored in acommunication device (e.g., communication device 102) of the system ofFIG. 1 in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.Repetitive description of like elements employed in other embodimentsdescribed herein is omitted for sake of brevity.

The information stored in the communication device 102 can be stored inthe MLCS device 102 and scanned in various embodiments to determinewhether a particular mobile device has a particular functionality. Asshown, communication device 102 can have an associated value (e.g.,International Mobile Station Equipment Identity (IMEI) and SoftwareVersion (IMEI SV) value, as defined in clause 6; 3GPP TS 23.003). In oneembodiment, the IMEI value (or IMEI SV value) 200 for the communicationdevice 102 is a 16 digit decimal number composed of three distinctelements: an 8 digit Type Allocation Code (TAC) 202; a 6 digit SerialNumber (SNR) 204; and a 2 digit Software Version Number (SVN) 206. TheIMEI SV value 200 can be formed by concatenating elements 202, 204, 206as illustrated in FIG. 2.

The TAC values 202 can be utilized to identify a specific model ofcommunication device 102. Accordingly, an IMEI value 200 and/or TACvalue 202 stored in the MLCS can indicate a number of mobile deviceshaving the model number specified by the TAC value 202 or the IMEI value200 (which comprises the TAC value 202). In some embodiments, the IMEIvalue 200 and/or TAC value 202 can be entered manually into the MLCSdevice 108 based on information about different capabilities of modelsof communication devices. In some embodiments, the IMEI values 200and/or TAC values 202 can be entered automatically upon receipt ofinformation after certification or confirmation of the functionality ofa particular type of communication device. Different models ofcommunication devices can be tested and certified for particularfunctionality (e.g., for particular AMR 12.2, AMR single mode (SM) orAMR multi mode (MM) functionality). If a communication device supports aparticular AMR, the communication device can be considered to be capableof such functionality.

In some embodiments in which the MLCS device 108 is a negative logicstorage device, if the particular mobile device has a particularfunctionality of interest (e.g., AMR 12.2 functionality or any of anumber of other types of functionalities), the mobile device isconsidered capable of such functionality if the range of values (e.g.,range of IMEI values 200 or TAC values 202) that comprises the modelnumber for that communication device is not stored in the MLCS device108 (since the MLCS device 108 is a negative logic storage device). Ifthe communication is not capable of such functionality, the IMEI value200 and/or the TAC value 202 associated with the model of thecommunication device 102 can be inserted in the MLCS device 108 (sincethe MLCS device 108 is a negative logic storage device in this example).Upon storage in the negative logic MLCS device 108, communicationdevices with such IMEI values 200 or TAC values 202 will be consideredincapable of such functionality. The communication device can be thenassigned a lower or alternative functionality than that for which thecommunication device does not have capability.

Turning back to FIG. 1, as shown, the BS device 104 can becommunicatively coupled between the communication device 102 and the DFcomponent 106. In various embodiments, the BS device 104 can perform anynumber of operations for establishment of a channel over which thecommunication device 102 can communicate comprising, but not limited to,configuring a channel based on functionalities identified by the DFcomponent 106 based on scanning the MLCS device 108 for informationabout the communication device 102.

The DF component 106 can comprise or be communicatively coupled to theMLCS device 108 and the BS device 104. In some embodiments, the DFcomponent 106 can comprise the structure and/or functionality of amobile switching center of a network. While the MLCS device 108 is shownwithin the DF component 106, in some embodiments, the MLCS device 108 ismerely communicatively coupled to, and therefore accessible by, the DFcomponent 106 and is located within the DF component.

The MLCS device 108 is a dynamic database that stores information aboutthe functionality of one or more different communication devices (e.g.,communication device 102). The information stored in the MLCS device 108can be indicative of a range of one or more values that are associatedwith different models of communication devices. As such, one range ofvalues specified in the MLCS device 108 can indicate or identify aplethora of mobile devices.

The MLCS device 108 is programmable to interpret results of scannedinformation stored in the MLCS device 108 according to one or moredifferent types of logic. For example, the MLCS device 108 (or, in someembodiments, the DF component 106) can scan information stored in theMLCS device 108 according to a positive logic operation in whichidentification of the presence of a range of values that comprises aparticular communication device indicates that the communication devicehas a particular functionality for which the MLCS device 108 (or, insome embodiments, the DF component 106) is scanning. As another example,the MLCS device 108 (or, in some embodiments, the DF component 106) canscan information stored in the MLCS device 108 according to a negativelogic operation in which identification of the presence of a range ofvalues that comprises a particular communication device indicates thatthe communication device fails to have a particular functionality forwhich the MLCS device 108 (or, in some embodiments, the DF component106) is scanning.

The ability to interpret stored information according to multiple typesof logic can facilitate gradual deployment of services or technologiesacross multiple phases or for selective deployment during a singlephase. For example, with regard to gradual deployment across multiplephases, provisioning can be executed from a first phase in the marketintroducing very few communication devices that have a particularfunctionality to a second or third phase of market saturation and acorresponding high number of communication devices capable of aparticular functionality or in which all devices in the market have theparticular functionality.

The MLCS device 108 can be interrogated by the BS device 104 on behalfof the communication device 102 accessing the BS device 104. In someembodiments, the communication device 102 can transmit a request toestablish or continue a communication via the BS device 104. The BSdevice 104 can transfer the initial information sent from thecommunication device (and/or any other information identifying thecommunication device 102) to the DF component 106 requesting a channelfor communication with another communication device (not shown).

The DF component 106 (or, in some embodiments, the MLCS device 108) canreceive this request and scan or search the contents of the MLCS device108 (or otherwise reference information about the contents of the MLCSdevice 108) to determine whether there is a value or range of valuesstored in the MLCS device 108 that comprises or identifies thecommunication device 102 transmitting the request. Based on the resultof scanning the MLCS device 108 for that value or range of values, theDF component 106 responds back to the BS device 104 with informationindicative of whether the communication device 102 has the functionalityfor which the DF component 106 (or the MLCS device 108) was scanning.

The determination can be made based on the type of logic of the MLCSdevice 108, which can change or be changed from time to time. Forexample, if the MLCS device 108 is a positive logic storage device,identification of the communication device 102 in a value or range ofvalues stored in the MLCS device 108 indicates the communication device102 is configured with the functionality. If the MLCS device 108 is anegative logic storage device, identification of the communicationdevice 102 in a value or range of values stored in the MLCS device 108indicates the communication device 102 is not configured with thefunctionality.

By way of example, but not limitation, if a value (e.g., IMEI value 200)for the communication device 102 is found in the range of values storedin the MLCS device 108, and the MLCS device 108 is a negative logicstorage device, the DF component 106 (or, in some cases, the MLCS device108) responds to the BS device 104 with a defined value (e.g., 0 bit) toindicate that the communication device 102 does not have thefunctionality requested. The response can be provided via a RABassignment request indicating a type of functionality that can beassigned to the communication device 102.

If the MLCS device 108 has positive logic functionality, and the DFcomponent 108 finds the value (e.g., IMEI) of the communication device102, then the communication device 102 has the functionality and the DFcomponent 106 responds to the BS device 104 with a different definedvalue (e.g., 1 bit) to indicate that the communication device 102 hasthe functionality requested. While a 0 bit and a 1 bit are used in theexamples shown, in other embodiments, any number of other type ofinformation can be transmitted from the DF component 106 (or from theMLCS device 108) to the BS device 104 to indicate whether thecommunication device 102 has a defined functionality for which MLCSdevice 108 was searched, scanned or otherwise evaluated.

The BS device 104 can configure a channel for the communication device102 aligned with the type of functionality of which the communicationdevice 102 is capable. For example, the configuration can be for any ofa number of functionalities that are capable by the communicationdevice. For example, if a communication device 102 having AMR MMcapability is shown, the DF component 106 or the MLCS device 108 cangenerate information for the BS device 104 that allows the BS device 104to configure a channel for AMR MM functionality or for a lesserfunctionality (e.g., AMR 12.2 functionality). In this case, the BSdevice 104 and/or the communication device 102 can select one of theoffered levels of functionality for the channel. In some embodiments,the BS device 104 can configure the channel with the level offunctionality providing the greatest efficiency, service, meeting apreviously-agreed upon quality of service or the like.

In various embodiments described herein, the approach to configuringchannels with particular functionalities, whether the communicationdevice 102 is operating in a standard compliant or a standardnon-compliant manner, can improve the likelihood of smoothimplementation/roll-out of technologies and/or avoid a disruptive effecton pre-existing status quo functionalities. A typical example offunctionality not supported by older version communication devices isthe AMR SM 5.9 codec. In this case, upon searching the MLCS device 108for a value or range of values associated with an older device, thecommunication device 102 would be assigned a functionality having alower rate (e.g., AMR 12.2).

In embodiments in which a communication device 102 is determined to be aroaming device, the BS device 104 can assign the communication device102 a low level of functionality for the network. The DF component 106can forego scanning the MLCS device 108 since information identifyingthe roaming device is not likely to be stored in the MLCS device 108since the information stored in the MLCS device 108 can be limited, insome embodiments, to the communication devices associated with usersthat have contracts with the home network (e.g. AT&T customers havingservice contracts for service via the AT&T network).

Accordingly, the DF component 106 can generate information for receiptby the BS device 104 that can indicate whether the communication device102 can be assigned a specific functionality. Based on the functionalitythat the communication device 102 is determined to have as reported bythe DF component 106, the BS device 104 prepares the configuration ofthe channel that the communication device 102 is to communicate. Thechannel is established accordingly (e.g., service degradation or upgradeto a defined functionality of which the communication device iscapable).

FIG. 3 illustrates an example block diagram of a DF component of thesystem of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more embodiments describedherein. Repetitive description of like elements employed in otherembodiments described herein is omitted for sake of brevity. The DFcomponent can comprise a communication component 300, a multiplelogic-capable scanning component 302, a storage device functionalityspecification component 304, a MLCS device 108, a storage device logiccontrol component 306, a memory 308, a processor 310 and/or a database312. In various embodiments, one or more of the communication component300, multiple logic-capable scanning component 302, storage devicefunctionality specification component 304, MLCS device 108, storagedevice logic control component 306, memory 308, processor 310 and/ordatabase 312 can be electrically and/or communicatively coupled to oneanother to perform one or more functions of the DF component 106.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, the communication component 300 canreceive from the BS device 104 a request for channel establishment for acommunication device. The communication component 300 can transmitinformation to the BS device 104 indicative of the type of functionalityof which the communication device 102 is capable. In some embodiments,the communication component 300 can output information indicative of aninterpretation of results of scanning based on the type of logic of theMLCS device 108.

The multiple logic-capable scanning component 302 can scan or search theMLCS device 108 to determine whether a value or range of valuesassociated with or identifying the communication device 102 is stored inthe MLCS device 108. The storage device functionality specificationcomponent can select and populate the entries of the MLCS device 108 forspecific functionalities for inclusion in the MLCS device 108 and/orchange the functionalities from time to time. The storage device logiccontrol component 306 can determine whether the contents of the MLCSdevice 108 will be interpreted according to negative logic, positivelogic or a combination of negative and positive logic for differentfunctionalities.

The processor 310 can perform one or more of the functions describedherein with reference to the DF component 106. The memory 310 can be acomputer-readable storage medium storing computer-executableinstructions and/or information configured to perform one or more of thefunctions described herein with reference to the DF component 106. Forexample, the memory 310 can store computer-executable instructions forscanning information stored in the MLCS device 108, interpretation basedon the logic of the MLCS device 108 and the like. The database 312 canbe configured to store information transmitted to, received by and/orprocessed by the DF component 106 comprising, but not limited to, thevalue associated with a TAC or IMEI of a communication device 102.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example block diagram of a MLCS device (e.g., MLCSdevice 108) of the DF component of the system of FIG. 1 in accordancewith one or more embodiments described herein. Repetitive description oflike elements employed in other embodiments described herein is omittedfor sake of brevity.

The MLCS device 108 can comprise a communication component 400, negativelogic storage device 402, positive logic storage device 404, combinationnegative and positive logic storage devices 406, memory 408, processor410 and/or multi-dimensional information repository device 412. Invarious embodiments, one or more of the communication component 400,negative logic storage device 402, positive logic storage device 404,combination negative and positive logic storage devices 406, memory 408,processor 410 and/or multi-dimensional information repository device 412can be electrically and/or communicatively coupled to one another toperform one or more functions of the MLCS device 108.

The communication component 400 can be configured to receive informationto facilitate scanning or searching the MLCS device 108 for a particularIMEI or TAC of the communication device 102. The communication component400 can also output information indicative of whether a value or rangeof values is identified that corresponds to the communication device102. In some embodiments, the communication component 400 can outputinformation indicative of an interpretation of results of scanning basedon the type of logic of the MLCS device 108.

The negative logic storage device 402 can store one or more values orranges of values for one or more defined functionalities (as shown anddescribed with reference to negative logic storage device 402 of FIG.7). If a communication device is identified in the value or range ofvalues within the negative logic storage device 402, the communicationdevice fails to have the defined functionality associated with thenegative logic storage device 402.

The positive logic storage device 404 can store one or more values orranges of values for one or more defined functionalities (as shown anddescribed with reference to positive logic storage device 404 of FIG.8). If a communication device is identified in the value or range ofvalues within the positive logic storage device 404, the communicationdevice has the defined functionality associated with the positive logicstorage device 404.

The combination negative and positive logic storage devices 406 canstore one or more values or ranges of values for two or more definedfunctionalities (as shown and described with reference to negative logicstorage device 402 and positive logic storage device 404 of FIG. 8). Amulti-dimensional method such as that described with reference to FIG. 8can be employed to determine the functionality for a particularcommunication device based on storage location and logic of theparticular storage location.

The processor 410 can perform one or more of the functions describedherein with reference to the MLCS device 108. The memory 408 can be acomputer-readable storage medium storing computer-executableinstructions and/or information configured to perform one or more of thefunctions described herein with reference to the MLCS device 108. Forexample, the memory 408 can store computer-executable instructions forstorage of information in a multi-dimensional database.

The multi-dimensional information repository device 412 can beconfigured to store information transmitted to, received by and/orprocessed by the MLCS device 108. A multi-dimensional informationrepository device 412 can be described in greater detail with referenceto FIG. 5.

Shown in FIG. 5 is an illustration of an example block diagram of amulti-dimensional information repository device of the MLCS device ofFIG. 1 in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.Repetitive description of like elements employed in other embodimentsdescribed herein is omitted for sake of brevity.

As shown, in the multi-dimensional information repository device 412,numerous data entry storage locations can be provided for IMEI or TACvalues or ranges of values. The communication device ranges are showndesignated as Communication Device Value Range 1, Communication DeviceValue Range 2 and Communication Device Value Range 3. However, invarious embodiments, the actual numerical values (or other indicators)of the ranges can be stored in the multi-dimensional informationrepository device 412. The various ranges can be associated with one ormore communication devices. For example, Communication Device ValueRange 1 can specify a range of values that indicates one or more modelnumbers associated with numerous different communication devices.

The multi-dimensional information repository device 412 can alsocomprise any number of entry locations that can be associated with anynumber of different functionalities that a communication device canhave. For example, in some embodiments, entry 502 can be an entry thatcan be populated to indicate whether a communication device inCommunication Device Value Range 1, 2 or 3 has AMR 12.2 functionality,entry 504 can be an entry that can be populated to indicate whether acommunication device in Communication Device Value Range 1, 2 or 3 hasAMR SM functionality and entry 506 can be an entry that can be populatedto indicate whether a communication device in Communication Device ValueRange 1, 2 or 3 has AMR MM functionality. Entry 508 can be an entry thatcan be populated to indicate whether a communication device inCommunication Device Value Range 1, 2 or 3 has voice over IPfunctionality, entry 510 can be an entry that can be populated toindicate whether a communication device in Communication Device ValueRange 1, 2 or 3 has voice over LTE functionality. In variousembodiments, entry 512 can comprise any other type of functionality. Insome embodiments, while the different functionalities are included, inother embodiments, any number of functionalities can be included in themulti-dimensional information repository device 412. Accordingly, astechnology changes, new functionalities can be added to the repositorystorage device and/or can replace older technologies/functionalities.For example, if the multi-dimensional information repository device 412is associated with a positive logic MLCS device 108, with reference toFIG. 5, communication devices that are identified by CommunicationDevice Value Range 1 are capable of AMR 12.2 and Voice over LTE, whilecommunication devices that are identified by Communication Device ValueRange 2 are capable of AMR 12.2, AMR SM, AMR MM and Voice over LTE, andcommunication devices that are identified by the Communication DeviceValue Range 3 are capable of AMR 12.2, AMR SM and Voice over IP.

In some embodiments, a multi-dimensional code can be assigned usingdifferent columns of the multi-dimensional information repository device412. Multi-dimensional code can be embedded in the scanning algorithm,for example. By populating multiple columns in the multi-dimensionalinformation repository device 412, it is possible to know thecompatibility of each device with multiple network functionalitiesand/or characteristics (where not communicated through standardsignaling) one per each column. In addition, each column can bepopulated using multiple logic (variable logic within the same column)to reduce the number of operator interventions for database maintenanceand update. The multi-dimensional code can rely on and/or employ analgorithm to identify characteristics such as: functionality, logicused, groups and sub-groups, device brand and manufacturer, and generateor output the best possible function to assign to the device.

While not shown, in some embodiments, information indicative of networknode characteristics can also be stored in the MLCS device 108 (e.g. inthe form of counters and/or key performance indicators), dynamicallyupdated and available to be scanned and/or searched. For example,network access can be assisted by historical pattern awareness. Withregard to the use of network node characteristics and historical patternawareness, as of today, mobile devices and network nodes are notgaining/granting access based on historical data and projections oftraffic dynamics. One or more embodiments described herein cancomplement the resource utilization monitoring status quo with theforecasted traffic patterns. This information can be used as anadditional metric for a decision to grant access to a device. Historicaldata and expected patterns can be stored in dynamically accessibledatabases and can be used to determine best service to be granted. Oneexample is the spectrum sharing access type in which a device shouldknow how long a specific spectrum block is going to be used in thefuture and/or how long the device will be able to use the specificspectrum block.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example graph of numbers of communication deviceswith defined functionality versus time for the design of the system ofFIG. 1 in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.Repetitive description of like elements employed in other embodimentsdescribed herein is omitted for sake of brevity.

The graph shows a distribution of types of AMR calls expected to berequested by communication devices associated with a particular homenetwork. The request would be received at the BS device 104 and the DFcomponent 106. As described, the MLCS device 108 would be searchedand/or scanned to determine whether the communication devices have thedifferent functionalities.

As shown in FIG. 6, the distribution of the functionality ofcommunication devices along with functionalities availability anddeployment phases vary with time. The communication devices that do nothave AMR (e.g., AMR 12.2) functionality are shown at the curve indicatedby reference numeral 602; the communication devices that have AMR SMfunctionality are shown at the curve indicated by reference numeral 604;and the communication devices that have AMR MM functionality are shownat the curve indicated by reference numeral 606.

As shown, the number of communication devices having AMR MMfunctionality at launch date T0 is considered unknown and potentiallylow. In the same time frame (e.g., approximately t=T0), greater than 70percent of the communication devices associated with a definedparticular home network will have AMR SM functionality and be alreadyactive (and can therefore be assigned AMR 5.9 functionality). In one ormore embodiments, the single mode benefits can be preserved whilelaunching AMR MM (shown in the first region 608, which is associatedwith bi-dimensional database functionality). In some embodiments, theMLCS device 108 can be designed at one point in time bi-dimensionaldatabase distinguishing between three cases: whether devices are AMR notcapable, AMR SM capable or AMR MM capable. This configuration of theMLCS device 108 can be employed until the AMR MM calls volume is highenough to justify a mono-dimensional database operation (shown in region610) distinguishing between only two cases: AMR MM capable and AMR MMnot capable devices. The communication devices having AMR SMfunctionality can at that time be indicated as not AMR MM capable andassigned AMR 12.2. Accordingly, the MLCS device 108 can be dynamicallycontrolled based on selected criteria for interpreting MLCS device 108scanning results. The manner of controlling the interpretation of theMLCS device 108 can be based on minimizing entries that will be scannedin the MLCs device 108 for a particular type of functionality (andtherefore to follow network changes and minimize operationalcomplexities and costs).

FIG. 7 illustrates an example flow diagram facilitating wirelesscommunication network access employing a negative logic storage deviceof a MLCs device in accordance with one or more embodiments describedherein. Repetitive description of like elements employed in otherembodiments described herein is omitted for sake of brevity.

The negative logic storage device 402 of the MLCs device 108 is designedsuch that if a particular value or range of values (e.g., range of IMEIor TAC values) is included in the negative logic storage device 402, thecommunication device associated with the range of values or value doesnot have the specified functionality associated with the negative logicstorage device 402. The specified functionality and/or type of logic canchange from time to time.

In the embodiment shown, a single dimensional negative logic storagedevice 402 can be scanned (e.g., by DF component 106 or MLCS 108 ofFIG. 1) to determine whether a communication device has an IMEI or TACthat is identified by a value or range of values stored in the negativelogic storage device 402. For example, in the embodiment shown, thenegative logic storage device 402 can store the TAC/IMEI ranges of thecommunication devices that do not have AMR MM functionality.

As shown in Scenario 1, the communication device is a roaming device notpart of the home network of the DF component 106 (or the MLCS device108), the DF component 106 (or the MLCS device 108) can forego checkingthe negative logic storage device 402 and instead assign a low level (ora defined level) of functionality for the roaming device by default(since it is unlikely information for the roaming device will be storedin the MLCS device 108 and/or the roaming device functionality may beunable to be certified or ascertained by the home network since theroaming device is not associated with the home network). For example, asbetween AMR MM, AMR SM and AMR 12.2, AMR 12.2 can be assigned to theroaming device by default.

As shown in Scenario 2, if the communication device is associated withthe home network of the DF component 106 (or the home network of theMLCS device 108), and the IMEI value or TAC value for the communicationdevice is identified based on the value or the range of values stored inthe negative logic storage device 402 of the MLCS device 108, thecommunication device can be assigned a low level of functionality sincethe presence of the identifier for the communication device in thenegative logic storage device 402 indicates that the communicationdevice does not have the functionality of a higher (or alternative)level and the communication device should be considered to have AMR 12.2functionality and the BS device 104 can then assign the communicationdevice an AMR 12.2 channel for communication.

As shown in Scenario 3, if the IMEI or TAC for the communication deviceis not present or identified by any of the values or ranges in thenegative logic storage device 402, the DF component 106 (or, in someembodiments, the MLCS device 108) assigns multiple options offunctionality to the communication device. For example, in this case,the DF component 106 (or MLCS device 108) can generate informationindicating a number of different levels of functionality possible forthe communication device. For example, the information can be in theform of a RAB assignment request 706, which can comprise a RABassignment request providing that the BS device 104 can assign thecommunication device (e.g., communication device 102) AMR 12.2, 7.95,5.9, 4.75).

FIG. 8 illustrates an example flow diagram facilitating wirelesscommunication network access employing negative logic and positive logicstorage devices of a MLCs device in accordance with one or moreembodiments described herein. Repetitive description of like elementsemployed in other embodiments described herein is omitted for sake ofbrevity.

The combination storage system 108 can comprise two storage devices:negative logic storage device 402 and positive logic storage device 404.In the design shown, the negative logic storage device 402 can beemployed for lower level and/or older functionality and the positivelogic positive logic storage device 404 can be employed for higher leveland/or newer functionality.

As shown, in some embodiments, the MLCS device 106 can comprise bothpositive logic and negative logic storage devices, and/oroperate/interpret scanning results according to two different types oflogic for two or more different types of designated functionalities.FIG. 8 is an example.

In FIG. 8, if a TAC or IMEI for a communication device is identified orpresent based on a value or range of values in the positive logicstorage device 404, a communication device is determined to have thespecified functionality associated with the positive logic storagedevice 404. If a TAC or IMEI for a communication device is identified orpresent based on a value or range of values in the negative logicstorage device 402, a communication device is determined to not have thespecified functionality associated with the negative logic storagedevice 402. The specified functionality can change from time to time.

The positive logic storage device 404 can be designed for storage ofvalues or ranges of values for communication devices having a particularfunctionality. For example, the functionality can be that for which thenumbers of communication devices having the functionality is limited orless than a defined threshold. For example, in one embodiment, positivelogic storage device 404 can be designed to be store only informationfor communication devices when the number of certified AMR MM capablecommunication devices is limited. The maintenance of and/or updates tothe positive logic storage device 404 is therefore limited due to thelimited/reduced number of entries of ranges representing communicationdevices.

When the number of AMR MM entries will start increasing (as timeprogresses and more devices become AMR MM capable), the positive logicstorage device 404 can be de-activated and the logic for the entirety ofthe MLCS device 108 can become a single dimensional AMR MMcapable/non-capable storage device storing a first value to indicatethat a communication device does not have the AMR MM functionality andindicating a second value to indicate that a communication device hasthe AMR MM functionality. In this mono-dimensional embodiment,information for the communication devices that are not AMR MM capablecan be stored in a negative logic storage device 402 (which is designedaccording to negative logic) and assigned a low level functionality(e.g., AMR 12.2).

An example of functionality can be as shown in FIG. 8 in which thepositive logic storage device 404 is associated with AMR MMfunctionality and the negative logic storage device 402 is associatedwith AMR SM functionality and AMR 12.2 functionality. As shown inScenario 1, if a device is a roaming device, the storage devices 402,404 need not be scanned and the roaming device can be assigned a lowlevel or older level functionality by default (e.g., AMR 12.2).

In Scenario 2, if a device is associated with the home network, thepositive logic storage device 402 can be first scanned. As shown, theidentifier for the communication device is located and information canbe output to the BS device 104 indicating that any of the AMR MM, AMR SMor AMR 12.2 functionalities can be configured by the BS device 104 forthe communication device channel.

In Scenario 3, if a device is associated with the home network, thepositive logic storage device 402 can be first scanned. As shown, inthis case, the communication device identifier is not located in thepositive logic storage device 404 and the negative logic storage device402 is therefore scanned. In this design, the negative logic storagedevice 402 is associated with the AMR SM and the AMR 12.2functionalities. The identifier for the communication device is notlocated in the negative logic storage device 412 and information can beoutput to the BS device 104 indicating that any of the AMR SM or AMR12.2 functionalities can be configured by the BS device 104 for thecommunication device channel.

In Scenario 4, if a device is associated with the home network, thepositive logic storage device 402 can be first scanned. As shown, inthis case, the communication device identifier is not located in thepositive logic storage device 404 and the negative logic storage device402 is therefore scanned. In this design, the negative logic storagedevice 402 is associated with the AMR SM and the AMR 12.2functionalities. The identifier for the communication device is locatedand information can be output to the BS device 104 indicating that onlyAMR 12.2 functionality can be configured by the BS device 104 for thecommunication device channel.

In both AMR MM and AMR SM cases, RAB Assignment Request (12.2, 7.45,5.9, 4.75) can be the standard signaling information sent to the DFcomponent 106. However, the DF component 106 can distinguish between AMRMM and AMR SM by analyzing the IU up version, which can be an additionalinformation element received in the request. If the IU up is version 1(IUUPV1), the assignment can be AMR SM. If the IU up is version is 2(IUUPV2), the assignment can be AMR MM.

In one example, the BS 104 and the DF component 106 can communicate withone another with a dedicated protocol IUP (e.g., interface UMTS plane)specialized for signaling called IU Control Plane (cp) and specializedfor data IU User Plane (up). The mode for the user plane can be furtherspecialized into mode 1 or mode 2 depending on how the frames aretransported and/or decoded. Mode 2 (or version 2) can be the versionemployed to support AMR MM when specific operations are used (e.g.Transcoder Free Operation). The mode can be independently assigned atthe RAB setup. In some embodiments, the information element can beutilized for the mode to have a bi-dimensional variable to send to theDF component 106 to distinguish between AMR MM and AMR SM.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example schematic diagram of another system thatfacilitates wireless communication network access via MLCS devices inaccordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Repetitivedescription of like elements employed in other embodiments describedherein is omitted for sake of brevity.

System 900 can comprise an originating communication device 102 that caninitiate a request to originating BS device 104 for a communicationchannel to be established to allow the originating communication device102 to communicate with terminating communication device 902.Terminating communication device 902 can be located geographicallyremote from MLCS device 108 and originating DF component 106 and thus aseparate, additional terminating DF component 906 having a MLCS device908 can be associated with the terminating communication device 902.

The MLCS device 908 can be scanned (by the MLCS device 908 or theterminating DF component 906) to determine functionality of theterminating communication device 902. As such, upon receipt of a requestfor communication between the originating communication device 102 andthe terminating communication device 902, the originating DF component106 (or MLCS device 108) can scan the MLCS device 108 to determine thefunctionality associated with the originating communication device 102and the terminating DF component (or the MLCS device 908) can scan theMLCS device 108 to determine the functionality associated with theterminating communication device 902. A communication channel can beestablished that provides the lowest common level of functionality forwhich each of the communication devices 102, 902 are capable.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are flowcharts of methods facilitating wirelesscommunication network access via an MLCS device in accordance with oneor more embodiments described herein. Repetitive description of likeelements employed in other embodiments described herein is omitted forsake of brevity.

Turning first to FIG. 10, at 1002, method 1000 can comprise determining,by a device (e.g., DF component 106) comprising a processor, whether acommunication device (e.g., communication device 102) is associated witha home network of the device (e.g., performed by the DF component 106 orthe MLCS device 108). For example, the device can determine whether acommunication device that requests services and/or establishment of achannel from a BS device (e.g., BS device 104) is a roamingdevice/roamer affiliated with another network besides the home network(e.g., home network for the DF component to which the BS devicecommunicates) or is a home device for a particular home network withwhich the device is associated. In some embodiments, a home device/homercan be a device associated with the home network or a device for whichthe user/owner of the device has a service contract with the serviceprovider for the home network.

At 1004, method 1000 can comprise assigning, by the device, thecommunication device to a first functionality based on determining thatthe communication device fails to be associated with the home network(and is therefore a roaming device/roamer) (e.g., performed by the DFcomponent 106 or the MLCS device 108). The first functionality cancomprise a low level of functionality in some embodiments. For example,the first functionality can be AMR 12.2 functionality. Accordingly, theBS device can configure a channel for use by the roaming device thatprovides for AMR 12.2 functionality.

At 1006, method 1000 can comprise assigning, by the device, thecommunication device to a second functionality based on determining thatan identifier for the communication device is associated with a range ofvalues stored in a MLCS device (e.g., MLCS device 108), and the MLCSdevice has associated positive logic (e.g., performed by the DFcomponent 106 or the MLCS device 108). For example, if the devicedetermines that the communication device is not a roaming device but isassociated with the home network, the device can determine if a range ofvalues that comprises an identifier for the communication device isstored in the first MLCS device and, if so, assign the communicationdevice an advanced level of functionality (e.g., AMR MM functionality).The first MLCS device can be programmed to operate according to positivelogic.

At 1008, method 1000 can comprise assigning, by the device, thecommunication device to the first functionality based on determiningthat the identifier for the communication device is associated with arange of values stored in the MLCS device, and the MLCS device hasassociated negative logic (e.g., performed by the DF component 106 orthe MLCS device 108). For example, if the device determines that thecommunication device is not a roaming device but is associated with thehome network, and the device determines that a range of values thatcomprises an identifier for the communication device is not stored inthe first MLCS device, the device can assign the communication deviceone of two levels of functionality (e.g., AMR 12.2 functionality or AMRSM functionality). The second MLCS device can be programmed to operateaccording to negative logic.

In some embodiments, if the device determines that the communicationdevice is not a roaming device but is associated with the home network,and the device determines that a range of values that comprises anidentifier for the communication device is not stored in the first MLCSdevice, the device can assign the communication device the lower levelof functionality as between the two levels based on the devicedetermining that the range of values that comprises an identifier forthe communication device is stored in a second MLCS device. The devicecan assign the communication device a higher level of functionality asbetween the two levels based on the device determining that the range ofvalues that comprises an identifier for the communication device is notstored in the second MLCS device.

Turning now to FIG. 11, at 1102, method 1100 can comprise scanning arecord of records stored in a MLCS device (e.g., MLCS device) todetermine whether a communication device (e.g., communication device102) associated with a request for communication establishment has adefined functionality (e.g., performed by the DF component 106). At1104, method 1100 can comprise generating functionality informationindicative of the communication device failing to have the definedfunctionality based on identifying a value range inclusive of anidentifier of the communication device and based on determining whetherthe multiple logic-capable storage device is a negative logic storagedevice, wherein the multiple logic-capable storage device isprogrammable to have a first type of logic at a first time and a secondtype of logic at a second time (e.g., performed by the DF component106).

At 1106, method 1100 can comprise generating functionality informationindicative of the communication device having the defined functionalitybased on the identifying the value range inclusive of the identifier ofthe communication device and based on determining whether the multiplelogic-capable storage device is a positive logic storage device (e.g.,performed by the DF component 106).

FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram of a computer that can be employedin accordance with one or more embodiments. Repetitive description oflike elements employed in other embodiments described herein is omittedfor sake of brevity.

In some embodiments, the computer can be or be included within anynumber of components described herein comprising, but not limited to,communication device 102, BS device 104, DF component 106 and/or MLCSdevice 108 (or any components of communication device 102, BS device104, DF component 106 and/or MLCS device 108).

In order to provide additional text for various embodiments describedherein, FIG. 12 and the following discussion are intended to provide abrief, general description of a suitable computing environment 1200 inwhich the various embodiments of the embodiment described herein can beimplemented. While the embodiments have been described above in thegeneral context of computer-executable instructions that can run on oneor more computers, those skilled in the art will recognize that theembodiments can be also implemented in combination with other programmodules and/or as a combination of hardware and software.

Generally, program modules comprise routines, programs, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the inventive methods can be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, comprising single-processor or multiprocessor computersystems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can beoperatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and so forth, as used in theclaims, unless otherwise clear by context, is for clarity only anddoesn't otherwise indicate or imply any order in time. For instance, “afirst determination,” “a second determination,” and “a thirddetermination,” does not indicate or imply that the first determinationis to be made before the second determination, or vice versa, etc.

The illustrated embodiments of the embodiments herein can be alsopracticed in distributed computing environments where certain tasks areperformed by remote processing devices that are linked through acommunications network. In a distributed computing environment, programmodules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Computing devices typically comprise a variety of media, which cancomprise computer-readable storage media and/or communications media,which two terms are used herein differently from one another as follows.Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media thatcan be accessed by the computer and comprises both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example,and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implementedin connection with any method or technology for storage of informationsuch as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structured dataor unstructured data. Tangible and/or non-transitory computer-readablestorage media can comprise, but are not limited to, random access memory(RAM), read only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable readonly memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, compactdisk read only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disk (DVD) or otheroptical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage, other magnetic storage devices and/or other media that can beused to store desired information. Computer-readable storage media canbe accessed by one or more local or remote computing devices, e.g., viaaccess requests, queries or other data retrieval protocols, for avariety of operations with respect to the information stored by themedium.

In this regard, the term “tangible” herein as applied to storage, memoryor computer-readable media, is to be understood to exclude onlypropagating intangible signals per se as a modifier and does notrelinquish coverage of all standard storage, memory or computer-readablemedia that are not only propagating intangible signals per se.

In this regard, the term “non-transitory” herein as applied to storage,memory or computer-readable media, is to be understood to exclude onlypropagating transitory signals per se as a modifier and does notrelinquish coverage of all standard storage, memory or computer-readablemedia that are not only propagating transitory signals per se.

Communications media typically embody computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other structured or unstructureddata in a data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a channelwave or other transport mechanism, and comprises any informationdelivery or transport media. The term “modulated data signal” or signalsrefers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set orchanged in such a manner as to encode information in one or moresignals. By way of example, and not limitation, communication mediacomprise wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wiredconnection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and otherwireless media.

With reference again to FIG. 12, the example environment 1200 forimplementing various embodiments of the embodiments described hereincomprises a computer 1202, the computer 1202 comprising a processingunit 1204, a system memory 1206 and a system bus 1208. The system bus1208 couples system components comprising, but not limited to, thesystem memory 1206 to the processing unit 1204. The processing unit 1204can be any of various commercially available processors. Dualmicroprocessors and other multi-processor architectures can also beemployed as the processing unit 1204.

The system bus 1208 can be any of several types of bus structure thatcan further interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. The system memory 1206comprises ROM 1210 and RAM 1212. A basic input/output system (BIOS) canbe stored in a non-volatile memory such as ROM, erasable programmableread only memory (EPROM), EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routinesthat help to transfer information between elements within the computer1202, such as during startup. The RAM 1212 can also comprise ahigh-speed RAM such as static RAM for caching data.

The computer 1202 further comprises an internal hard disk drive (HDD)1210 (e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal hard disk drive 1214 can also beconfigured for external use in a suitable chassis (not shown), amagnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) 1216, (e.g., to read from or write to aremovable diskette 1218) and an optical disk drive 1220, (e.g., readinga CD-ROM disk 1222 or, to read from or write to other high capacityoptical media such as the DVD). The hard disk drive 1214, magnetic diskdrive 1216 and optical disk drive 1220 can be connected to the systembus 1208 by a hard disk drive interface 1224, a magnetic disk driveinterface 1226 and an optical drive interface, respectively. Theinterface 1224 for external drive implementations comprises at least oneor both of Universal Serial Bus (USB) and Institute of Electrical andElectronics Engineers (IEEE) 1294 interface technologies. Other externaldrive connection technologies are within contemplation of theembodiments described herein.

The drives and their associated computer-readable storage media providenonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executableinstructions, and so forth. For the computer 1202, the drives andstorage media accommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digitalformat. Although the description of computer-readable storage mediaabove refers to a hard disk drive (HDD), a removable magnetic diskette,and a removable optical media such as a CD or DVD, it should beappreciated by those skilled in the art that other types of storagemedia which are readable by a computer, such as zip drives, magneticcassettes, flash memory cards, cartridges, and the like, can also beused in the example operating environment, and further, that any suchstorage media can contain computer-executable instructions forperforming the methods described herein.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 1212,comprising an operating system 1230, one or more application programs1232, other program modules 1234 and program data 1236. All or portionsof the operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also becached in the RAM 1212. The systems and methods described herein can beimplemented utilizing various commercially available operating systemsor combinations of operating systems.

A communication device can enter commands and information into thecomputer 1202 through one or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., akeyboard 1238 and a pointing device, such as a mouse 1240. Other inputdevices (not shown) can comprise a microphone, an infrared (IR) remotecontrol, a joystick, a game pad, a stylus pen, touch screen or the like.These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit1204 through an input device interface 1242 that can be coupled to thesystem bus 1208, but can be connected by other interfaces, such as aparallel port, an IEEE 1294 serial port, a game port, a universal serialbus (USB) port, an IR interface, etc.

A monitor 1244 or other type of display device can be also connected tothe system bus 1208 via an interface, such as a video adapter 1246. Inaddition to the monitor 1244, a computer typically comprises otherperipheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.

The computer 1202 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections via wired and/or wireless communications to one or moreremote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 1248. The remotecomputer(s) 1248 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, apersonal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainmentappliance, a peer device or other common network node, and typicallycomprises many or all of the elements described relative to the computer1202, although, for purposes of brevity, only a memory/storage device1250 is illustrated. The logical connections depicted comprisewired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 1252 and/orlarger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 1254. Such LAN and WANnetworking environments are commonplace in offices and companies, andfacilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all ofwhich can connect to a global communications network, e.g., theInternet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 1202 can beconnected to the local network 1252 through a wired and/or wirelesscommunication network interface or adapter 1256. The adapter 1256 canfacilitate wired or wireless communication to the LAN 1252, which canalso comprise a wireless AP disposed thereon for communicating with thewireless adapter 1256.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 1202 cancomprise a modem 1258 or can be connected to a communications server onthe WAN 1254 or has other means for establishing communications over theWAN 1254, such as by way of the Internet. The modem 1258, which can beinternal or external and a wired or wireless device, can be connected tothe system bus 1208 via the input device interface 1242. In a networkedenvironment, program modules depicted relative to the computer 1202 orportions thereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device1250. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown areexample and other means of establishing a communications link betweenthe computers can be used.

The computer 1202 can be operable to communicate with any wirelessdevices or entities operatively disposed in wireless communication,e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portabledata assistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment orlocation associated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk,news stand, restroom), and telephone. This can comprise WirelessFidelity (Wi-Fi) and BLUETOOTH® wireless technologies. Thus, thecommunication can be a defined structure as with a conventional networkor simply an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.

Wi-Fi can allow connection to the Internet from a couch at home, a bedin a hotel room or a conference room at work, without wires. Wi-Fi is awireless technology similar to that used in a cell phone that enablessuch devices, e.g., computers, to send and receive data indoors and out;anywhere within the range of a femto cell device. Wi-Fi networks useradio technologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, n, etc.) to providesecure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can beused to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wirednetworks (which can use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operatein the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands, at an 11 Mbps (802.11a) or54 Mbps (802.11b) data rate, for example or with products that containboth bands (dual band), so the networks can provide real-worldperformance similar to the basic 10 Base T wired Ethernet networks usedin many offices.

The embodiments described herein can employ artificial intelligence (AI)to facilitate automating one or more features described herein. Theembodiments (e.g., in connection with automatically identifying acquiredcell sites that provide a maximum value/benefit after addition to anexisting communication network) can employ various AI-based schemes forcarrying out various embodiments thereof. Moreover, the classifier canbe employed to determine a ranking or priority of each cell site of anacquired network. A classifier is a function that maps an inputattribute vector, x=(x1, x2, x3, x4, . . . , xn), to a confidence thatthe input belongs to a class, that is, f(x)=confidence(class). Suchclassification can employ a probabilistic and/or statistical-basedanalysis (e.g., factoring into the analysis utilities and costs) toprognose or infer an action that a communication device desires to beautomatically performed. A support vector machine (SVM) is an example ofa classifier that can be employed. The SVM operates by finding ahypersurface in the space of possible inputs, which the hypersurfaceattempts to split the triggering criteria from the non-triggeringevents. Intuitively, this makes the classification correct for testingdata that is near, but not identical to training data. Other directedand undirected model classification approaches comprise, e.g., naïveBayes, Bayesian networks, decision trees, neural networks, fuzzy logicmodels, and probabilistic classification models providing differentpatterns of independence can be employed. Classification as used hereinalso is inclusive of statistical regression that is utilized to developmodels of priority.

As will be readily appreciated, one or more of the embodiments canemploy classifiers that are explicitly trained (e.g., via a generictraining data) as well as implicitly trained (e.g., via observingcommunication device behavior, operator preferences, historicalinformation, receiving extrinsic information). For example, SVMs can beconfigured via a learning or training phase within a classifierconstructor and feature selection module. Thus, the classifier(s) can beused to automatically learn and perform a number of functions,comprising but not limited to determining according to a predeterminedcriteria which of the acquired cell sites will benefit a maximum numberof subscribers and/or which of the acquired cell sites will add minimumvalue to the existing communication network coverage, etc.

As employed herein, the term “processor” can refer to substantially anycomputing processing unit or device comprising, but not limited tocomprising, single-core processors; single-processors with softwaremultithread execution capability; multi-core processors; multi-coreprocessors with software multithread execution capability; multi-coreprocessors with hardware multithread technology; parallel platforms; andparallel platforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, aprocessor can refer to an integrated circuit, an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic controller (PLC), acomplex programmable logic device (CPLD), a discrete gate or transistorlogic, discrete hardware components or any combination thereof designedto perform the functions described herein. Processors can exploitnano-scale architectures such as, but not limited to, molecular andquantum-dot based transistors, switches and gates, in order to optimizespace usage or enhance performance of communication device equipment. Aprocessor can also be implemented as a combination of computingprocessing units.

As used herein, terms such as “data storage,” “database,” andsubstantially any other information storage component relevant tooperation and functionality of a component, refer to “memorycomponents,” or entities embodied in a “memory” or components comprisingthe memory. It will be appreciated that the memory components orcomputer-readable storage media, described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory or can comprise both volatile andnonvolatile memory.

Memory disclosed herein can comprise volatile memory or nonvolatilememory or can comprise both volatile and nonvolatile memory. By way ofillustration, and not limitation, nonvolatile memory can comprise readonly memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmableROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM) or flash memory.Volatile memory can comprise random access memory (RAM), which acts asexternal cache memory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM isavailable in many forms such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM),synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhancedSDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM).The memory (e.g., data storages, databases) of the embodiments areintended to comprise, without being limited to, these and any othersuitable types of memory.

What has been described above comprises mere examples of variousembodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe everyconceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes ofdescribing these examples, but one of ordinary skill in the art canrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the presentembodiments are possible. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed and/orclaimed herein are intended to embrace all such alterations,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes”is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term isintended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as“comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in aclaim.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-readable storage device storingexecutable instructions that, in response to execution, cause a systemcomprising a processor to perform operations, comprising: scanning arecord of records stored in a multiple logic-capable storage device todetermine whether a communication device associated with a request forcommunication establishment has a defined functionality; and generatingfunctionality information indicative of the communication device failingto have the defined functionality based on identifying a value rangeinclusive of an identifier of the communication device and based ondetermining whether the multiple logic-capable storage device is anegative logic storage device, wherein the multiple logic-capablestorage device is programmable to have a first type of logic at a firsttime and a second type of logic at a second time.
 2. Thecomputer-readable storage device of claim 1, wherein the functionalityinformation is first functionality information, and wherein theoperations further comprise: generating second functionality informationindicative of the communication device having the defined functionalitybased on the identifying the value range inclusive of the identifier ofthe communication device and based on determining whether the multiplelogic-capable storage device is a positive logic storage device.
 3. Thecomputer-readable storage device of claim 1, wherein the first type oflogic is negative logic and the second type of logic is positive logic.4. The computer-readable storage device of claim 1, wherein the requestis received by the system from a base station device communicativelycoupled to the system.
 5. The computer-readable storage device of claim4, wherein the operations further comprise: transmitting, to the basestation device, assignment information indicative of a configuration fora channel for the communication establishment, and wherein theassignment information is based on the functionality information.
 6. Thecomputer-readable storage device of claim 1, wherein the records of themultiple logic-capable storage device comprise information indicative offunctionalities of which communication devices are capable.
 7. Thecomputer-readable storage device of claim 6, wherein a functionality ofthe functionalities comprises an adaptive multi-rate functionality. 8.The computer-readable storage device of claim 6, wherein a functionalityof the functionalities comprises an adaptive multi-rate single modefunctionality.
 9. The computer-readable storage device of claim 6,wherein a functionality of the functionalities comprises an adaptivemulti-rate multi mode functionality.
 10. The computer-readable storagedevice of claim 6, wherein a functionality of the functionalitiescomprises a voice over Internet protocol functionality.
 11. A method,comprising: determining, by a device comprising a processor, whether acommunication device is associated with a home network of the device;responsive to a first determination that the communication device failsto be associated with the home network, assigning, by the device, thecommunication device to a first functionality; responsive to a seconddetermination that an identifier for the communication device isassociated with a range of values stored in a multiple logic-capablestorage device, and based on determining whether the multiplelogic-capable storage device has associated positive logic, assigning,by the device, the communication device to a second functionality; andresponsive to a third determination that the identifier for thecommunication device is associated with the range of values stored inthe multiple logic-capable storage device, and based on determiningwhether the multiple logic-capable storage device has associatednegative logic, assigning, by the device, the communication device tothe first functionality.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:responsive to a fourth determination that the identifier for thecommunication device fails to be associated with another range of valuesstored in a negative logic portion of the multiple logic-capable storagedevice, assigning, by the device, the communication device to a thirdfunctionality.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the assigning thecommunication device to the first functionality comprises assigning thecommunication device to an adaptive multi-rate functionality.
 14. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the assigning the communication device tothe second functionality comprises assigning the communication device toan adaptive multi-rate multi mode functionality.
 15. The method of claim12, wherein the assigning the communication device to the thirdfunctionality comprises assigning the communication device to anadaptive multi-rate single mode functionality.
 16. A system, comprising:a processor; and a memory that stores executable instructions that, whenexecuted by the processor, facilitate performance of operations,comprising: identifying a defined functionality of a communicationdevice of communication devices; and determining to store informationabout the communication device in a first storage location or a secondstorage location of a multi-dimensional data storage system based onwhether the defined functionality satisfies a defined condition, whereinthe determining comprises determining to store the information in thefirst storage location based on the defined functionality satisfying thedefined condition, and based on determining that the first storagelocation has associated positive logic, and wherein the determiningcomprises determining to store the information in the second storagelocation based on the defined functionality satisfying the definedcondition, and based on determining that the second storage location hasassociated negative logic.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the firststorage location and the second storage location are selectivelyassociated with the positive logic or the negative logic based on alikelihood of reducing a resultant number of the communication devicespredicted to be stored in the first storage location or the secondstorage location.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the informationcomprises first information indicative of a model number associated withthe communication device and second information indicative of a versionof software associated with the communication device.
 19. The system ofclaim 18, wherein the first information is concatenated with the secondinformation.
 20. The system of claim 16, wherein the defined conditioncomprises the defined functionality being capable of adaptive multi-ratemulti mode functionality.